“But in the meantime all the unions will also be making preparations for a national day of strike action on 22 June.”

Paul Reuter, national officer at Unite said: “We are still open to talks if Tata are prepared for meaningful discussions.

“We have offered Tata the savings it says it needs.

“But the company wants to close the scheme altogether.

“This is not acceptable to workers, which is why industrial action will start next week.”

Nick Blundell, regional secretary for UCATT, said: “Tata should listen to its workforce and recognise that to resolve this dispute it needs to get back round the table with the unions for meaningful discussions.

“Industrial action is a last resort for any union but Tata has given us no choice.”